"Indonesia can increase the defense budget to 3 times the previously allocated amount if we can achieve an economic growth of above 7 percent," Jokowi said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will prioritize the development of indigenous weaponry systems through the transfer of technology agreements with other countries, stated President Joko Widodo.
"We need transfer of technology to develop military weaponry systems. It will be better for Indonesia when we can have independent main weaponry systems made by indigenous companies," the president noted here after visiting the Indo Defence Expo and Forum 2014 here on Friday.
According to Jokowi, the transfer of technology will not only help to improve Indonesias weapon industry but also increase the weapon production capacity of the country.
The president remarked that development of the main weaponry systems depends on the state budget.
"Indonesia can increase the defense budget to 3 times the previously allocated amount if we can achieve an economic growth of above 7 percent," Joko Widodo claimed.
Additionally, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu stated that the main focus of Indonesia is to defend its maritime sector and territory.
"The main priority of our defense is to secure and defend our maritime territory. We must secure the marine transportation lines," Ryamizard emphasized.
The minister emphasized that Joko Widodos government will use a major part of the defense budget for improving its maritime defense capabilities.
The Indonesian government will increase military spending to 1.5 percent of the state budget. Earlier, the government had allocated a defense budget of Rp83 trillion or 0.8 percent of the state budget.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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